Thanks everyone.
I will look into installing a new one when I go to button everything up. It is going to be about the only part on the front of the engine that is not new
if I don't replace it. My plans are to go ahead and install the cylinder head/intake manifold this weekend leaving the tensioner, belt, fan and fan clutch for last.
This is the first tensioner of this sort I have messed with. Personally, I think it is kinda a poor design. Why couldn't it have been designed where you just put a 1/2" drive breaker bar in a hole and turn it part way to relieve the tension?